Granted I could do without the inflatable Easter Bunnies and the photo developing, but when I need medication, Walgreen’s is the place to go. In many markets, including St. Louis where I live, Walgreen’s has virtually eliminated the competition. I can’t name a single independent pharmacy in the entire area.

It’s not that I particularly like Wag’s. In fact, I seldom go there. But my wife is a frequent shopper, picking up prescriptions there on an almost weekly basis. She would sorely miss the neighborhood Walgreen’s. And, I do mean neighborhood. It seems like most of the population in this area lives within walking distance of one of their stores.

The only other option in our area is the big box stores or the supermarket. None of these offer the drive-up prescription window that Walgreen’s provides. And, while I understand that all pharmacists are licensed by the state, there’s just something disconcerting about buying my medication from Wal-Mart.

Would I prefer to deal with a real neighborhood, locally-owned pharmacy? You bet! But in this area and many others, it’s just not an option.